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Downingtown East aims to slow Coatesville's multifaceted offense

Fifth-ranked Coatesville (7-1) faces No. 4 Downingtown East (8-0) in a Ches-Mont League National Division clash on Friday night.

Coatesville quarterback Ricky Ortega (1) runs the ball in last year’s 40-7 win over Downingtown East.
Coatesville quarterback Ricky Ortega (1) runs the ball in last year’s 40-7 win over Downingtown East.Read moreSTEVEN M. FALK

Downingtown East coach Mike Matta says this year's Coatesville's offense is especially dangerous.

"As usual, with their speed and talent, they can strike quickly and score on big plays," he said. "But they also can sustain drives and move the ball 80 yards down the field."

The Ches-Mont League National Division championship will likely be decided when Coatesville takes on host Downingtown East at 7 p.m. Friday at Kottmeyer Stadium.

Coatesville, which has reeled off six straight wins since a Week 2 loss to Cumberland Valley, is 7-1 overall and 4-0 in division action. While outscoring foes by 342-133, Downingtown East is 8-0 and 4-0.

The Red Raiders, who are trying for their third outright division crown in the last four years, average 41.8 points per game.

Coatesville sophomore quarterback Ricky Ortega has converted 98 of 140 passes for 1,558 yards and 19 touchdowns. Halfback Aaron Young, a junior who has several Division I scholarship offers, has rushed 87 times for 940 yards and 20 scores.

Last year, with Ortega throwing for 228 yards and three TDs, the Red Raiders crushed the Cougars, 40-7.

"Our game plan was to force [Ortega] to beat us, and he ended up killing us," said Matta, whose squad is seeking its first division title since 2015 and sixth overall. "And he's gotten a lot of better since then."

Ortega spreads the ball among Young and receivers Avery Young (Aaron's brother), Dapree Bryant, Kahtero Summers, Mekhi Alexander, and Donte Crews. "It's hard for teams to double-team any of our guys," said Coatesville coach Matt Ortega, Ricky's father.

A line that gives Ortega ample time to throw is anchored by center Ricky Rodriguez and tackles Ricky Santiago and Chris McBride.

Spurred by what Matta says is the best line he has ever coached at the school, Downingtown East is no slouch on offense, either. It averages 300-plus rushing yards per game.

Cougars halfbacks Garvey Jonassaint (745 rushing yards, nine TDs) and Tim Aivado (688, 11) and handyman Brassir Stocker (733, 9) have combined for 2,166 yards and 29 TDs. Bryce Lauletta has passed for 843 yards and eight scores.

The Red Raiders defense is headed by tackle Alex Raimondo, ends Tione Holmes and Jimmy Limper, outside linebacker Johnny Clifford, and cornerback Avery Young.

Downingtown East's bid to keep Ortega and company in check is led by ends Connor Munnelly and Nica Hesel, and tackle Joey Janick. Support comes from linebackers Stuart Regitz, Jack Hayward, Luke Moran, and Trent McNally.

Pick Six

Friday

No. 5 Coatesville at No. 4 Downingtown East, 7. Matt Ortega and the Red Raiders have won five of the last seven meetings. Pick: Coatesville, 38-21.

No. 9 Springfield Delco (8-0) at No. 8 Garnet Valley (8-0), 7. The Central League title is on the line at Moe DeFrank Stadium. Pick: Springfield, 17-14.

No. 18 Central Bucks South (6-2) at No. 14 Pennridge (6-2), 7. This matchup has major implications on the PIAA District 1 Class 6A playoff rankings. Pick: Pennridge, 31-24.

No. 23 Academy Park at Penn Wood, 7. Can the host Patriots take a huge step toward winning their first Del-Val League crown since 2010? Pick: Academy Park, 23-18.

Saturday

West Chester Rustin (5-3) at Great Valley (5-3), 2:30. W.C. Rustin's Nick Benoit and Ty Pringle have combined to rush for 1,045 yards and 23 TDs. Pick: W.C. Rustin, 28-27.

West Catholic (5-3) at Bishop McDevitt (5-3), 7. The victor has a solid shot at gaining a berth in the District 1-12 Class 2A subregional playoffs. Pick: West, 26-12.